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Tim Hardaway Jr.: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency

By Simon Smith

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 04: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles up court during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 4, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 04: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles up court during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 4, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Following a breakout season with the Atlanta Hawks, here are five potential landing spots for emerging guard Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. has certainly come a long way since his initial days with the Atlanta Hawks.

Shortly after arriving in Atlanta following two seasons with the New York Knicks, Hardaway Jr. was told the news most players dread – he was being sent to the D-League to sharpen up his game.

In Hardaway Jr.’s case, it was to address an area that the Hawks’ head coach, Mike Budenholzer, places a great emphasis: defense. This was certainly a kick in the teeth for Hardaway Jr, who had shown glimpses of his potential in his two seasons with the Knicks. But to his credit, Hardaway Jr. welcomed the challenge, and as Budeholzer noted this past season:

"“…..a player that’s had some success, he has his pride. It would be great if we could change the stigma of it, but it is what it is. He took it well, and he went down there and busted his ass.”"

Fast forward to this past season, and Hardaway Jr.’s progress has been significant. For the season, Hardaway Jr. posted 14.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game. But his growth was accelerated following the midseason trade of Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Over the final 32 games of the regular season, Hardaway Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32.3 minutes per game. Notably, he shot 47.9 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from downtown.

Naturally, these stats are going to appeal to a number of teams, with Hardaway Jr. demonstrating his ability to produce when given a greater level of responsibility.

With this in mind, here are five potential landing spots for Hardaway Jr. in restricted free agency.

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